An imaging unit 23 generates an image signal of a captured image. An optical sensor unit 25 generates a sensor signal that has a wider view angle than that of the imaging unit 23 and is according to a spectral characteristic upon obtaining the captured image. A controller 50 determines reliability of a light-source estimation result based on the image signal generated by the imaging unit 23, using a light-source estimation result based on the sensor signal generated by the optical sensor unit 25. For example, the controller 50 classifies the light-source estimation result based on the image signal into categories of light sources capable of being estimated based on the sensor signal, and compares the category into which the light-source estimation result is classified with the light source estimated based on the sensor signal. In a case where the light source estimated based on the sensor signal is not changed when the category into which the light-source estimation result is classified is changed, it is determined that the light-source estimation result based on the image signal is not reliable, and an adjustment value of white balance adjustment is not updated. Then, the white balance adjustment can accurately and stably be performed.
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3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein, in a case where the imaging element successively generates a plurality of image signals of each image of a plurality of images, the white balance setting unit is further configured to determine the reliability of the second light-source estimation result based on a second image signal of the plurality of image signals or following image signals from the plurality of image signals.
An image processing device is designed to improve white balance accuracy in digital imaging systems. The device addresses the challenge of maintaining consistent color reproduction under varying lighting conditions, particularly when the light source changes dynamically. The system includes an imaging element that captures multiple image signals sequentially, representing a series of images. A white balance setting unit processes these signals to estimate the light source and adjust the white balance accordingly. The unit generates a first light-source estimation result based on a first image signal and a second light-source estimation result based on a second or subsequent image signals. The reliability of the second estimation result is determined by analyzing the second image signal or later signals in the sequence. This allows the device to dynamically assess the accuracy of the light-source estimation, ensuring that white balance adjustments are made only when the estimation is reliable. The system enhances color consistency in video or continuous image capture scenarios where lighting conditions may fluctuate.
4. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the white balance setting unit is further configured to determine the reliability of the second light-source estimation result in a case where a view-angle difference between the view angle of the captured image and the view angle of the optical sensor unit is one of equal to or greater than a determined value.
5. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the white balance setting unit is further configured to set the white balance adjustment value based on the second light-source estimation result in a case where the reliability of the second light-source estimation result is not determined.
6. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the optical sensor unit has sensitivity in at least an infrared region.
An image processing device is designed to capture and process images, particularly in environments where visible light may be insufficient or where specific spectral information is needed. The device includes an optical sensor unit with sensitivity in at least the infrared (IR) region, enabling detection of IR radiation. This allows the device to operate in low-light conditions or to capture thermal or other IR-based imagery. The optical sensor unit may be configured to detect a range of wavelengths, including visible and IR, or may be specialized for IR-only detection. The device may further include processing circuitry to analyze the captured IR data, such as for temperature mapping, object detection, or environmental monitoring. The IR sensitivity enhances the device's utility in applications like surveillance, medical imaging, industrial inspection, or autonomous navigation, where IR detection provides advantages over visible-light-only systems. The device may also incorporate additional features, such as adjustable sensitivity, noise reduction, or multi-spectral imaging capabilities, to improve performance in diverse conditions. By leveraging IR sensitivity, the device overcomes limitations of traditional visible-light imaging systems, particularly in scenarios requiring thermal or low-light detection.
7. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the view angle of the optical sensor unit includes the view angle of the captured image.
8. The image processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a white balance adjustment unit configured to execute white balance adjustment to the image signal based on the white balance adjustment value.
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May 16, 2019
November 1, 2022
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